Ian Macleod Distillers (IMD) is set to unveil a 16-year-old Speyside single malt, the Chieftain’s Single Cask Cigar Malt, alongside its full Scotch malt portfolio at the Viking Line Cinderella Whisky Fair from 9 to 11 March. The release of only 588 bottles will be exclusive to the cruise ferry company.
The whisky is non-chill filtered and bottled at cask strength (ABV 62.89%). It was distilled in May 2006 and matured in a specially selected first-fill European Oak sherry cask.
The whisky is paired with a specially chosen cigar, Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro. to complement the strong and complex dram.
More than 3,000 whisky connoisseurs are invited to sample and buy the IMD range at the event, billed as the world’s largest floating whisky festival.
The line-up also includes Rosebank Lowland Single Malt, Smokehead Islay Single Malt, Tamdhu Speyside Single Malt, Glengoyne Highland Single Malt and Shieldaig Speyside Single Malt whiskies.
On each of the three crossings from Stockholm to Mariehamn, IMD whisky ambassador Gordon Dallas will run a Sherry Matured and Chocolate Whisky Range masterclass. The tutored tasting includes Tamdhu Gran Reserva, Tamdhu 2008 Vintage, Glengoyne 10-year-old First Fill and Glengoyne 15-year-old PX Edition.
Ian Macleod Distillers Global Travel Retail Director William Ovens said: “We are delighted to partner with Viking Line and showcase our portfolio alongside other exceptional whiskies from leading global distilleries.”
“We are really excited to introduce passengers to Chieftain’s 16 Year Old Single Cask Cigar Malt. Chieftain’s has an enviable reputation among whisky connoisseurs and its superlative single casks are highly sought after.”
Viking Line Tax Free Senior Category Manager of Commercial Operations Carl Mörn said: “Viking Line is a hugely important annual event giving whisky connoisseurs in Sweden the chance to buy exclusive editions and rarities they won’t find elsewhere and learn more about their favourite whiskies directly from the makers. We anticipate lively debate and interaction and a great response to Chieftain’s 16 Year Old Single Cask Cigar Malt and the wider IMD portfolio.”
Chieftain’s is an independent bottling range that has been in the IMD portfolio for over 20 years and reflects the long-term relationships enjoyed by the company with the wider Scotch whisky industry. These relationships, said IMD, have allowed the company to acquire and curate exceptional and rare malts from top distilleries across Scotland over many years. Just two or three Chieftain’s Cigar Malt casks are released globally annually and only the richest and darkest first fill European Oak sherry casks are used.
Tasting notes: Chieftain’s 16 Year Old Single Cask Cigar Malt
The malt begins with a heady blend of ripe strawberry, rose, sweet balsamic and leather on the nose, with herbal notes of sage and tarragon blend with subdued violet. With water, black treacle, milk chocolate and hazelnut emerge, with root ginger and honey.
The expression is intense on the palate with chilli heat, carrying many notes from the nose, there are also distinct caramel sauce, malted milk, granola and pastry notes. It also features brown sugar-coated hazelnuts with a dusting of paprika. With water, an oiliness is more apparent, and chewy and raisin toffee notes predominate. A lingering finish is elevated by the hazelnut notes, with delicate tobacco and damson plum.
